Down House bird survey today , but on the way , a quick stop on the Common at the Ash tree , revealed 5 Purple Hairstreaks , all up high and some already moving off into surrounding Oaks .
A freshly emerged female Marbled White did show off well the golden leading edge to her forewing . The survey at Down House was done in very warm , humid conditions , and it wasn't a
surprise that only 15 species were recorded . The best of the bunch was this Yellowhammer which wouldn't let me get any closer . Once again , it was butterflies that filled the gap , 12 species being recorded during the visit . But it was a Silver Y moth that was first to the camera , usually a very timid soul , diving into vegetation at any opportunity , this one forgot about all that and 
posed on the flowers of Sage in the walled garden . As soon as I got into the large meadow , I 
started recording Small Coppers , all looking very fresh , and all 8 probable males as they were already scrapping amongst themselves . Not so many Skippers as at other sites , just 4 recorded , 
but I thought these two Small specimens , male below , were going to get it together , but they didn't . On the lsat survey , I recorded a pristine Dark Green Fritillary , and today I recorded one 
too , possibly the same specimen , but definitely not so pristine now . The big numbers of course were Meadow Brown (163) and Ringlet (61) , but Marbled Whites were disapointing , with just 13 being recorded . It could well do with the meadows being cut far too early in my opinion last year . On the way around , three Violet Helleborines were found in the Sandwalk Wood , one a very robust plant , and a few flowers of interest found were ,
Marjoram/Origanum vulgare , another Labiate , is just flowering ,
Feverfew/Tanacetum parthenium , a member of the Daisy family ,
Corn Marigold/Chrysanthemum segetum , another Daisy 
and a shot of a single flower of Wild Basil/Clinopodium vulgare , another Labiate .
A freshly emerged female Marbled White did show off well the golden leading edge to her forewing . The survey at Down House was done in very warm , humid conditions , and it wasn't a surprise that only 15 species were recorded . The best of the bunch was this Yellowhammer which wouldn't let me get any closer . Once again , it was butterflies that filled the gap , 12 species being recorded during the visit . But it was a Silver Y moth that was first to the camera , usually a very timid soul , diving into vegetation at any opportunity , this one forgot about all that and posed on the flowers of Sage in the walled garden . As soon as I got into the large meadow , I started recording Small Coppers , all looking very fresh , and all 8 probable males as they were already scrapping amongst themselves . Not so many Skippers as at other sites , just 4 recorded , but I thought these two Small specimens , male below , were going to get it together , but they didn't . On the lsat survey , I recorded a pristine Dark Green Fritillary , and today I recorded one too , possibly the same specimen , but definitely not so pristine now . The big numbers of course were Meadow Brown (163) and Ringlet (61) , but Marbled Whites were disapointing , with just 13 being recorded . It could well do with the meadows being cut far too early in my opinion last year . On the way around , three Violet Helleborines were found in the Sandwalk Wood , one a very robust plant , and a few flowers of interest found were ,Marjoram/Origanum vulgare , another Labiate , is just flowering ,Feverfew/Tanacetum parthenium , a member of the Daisy family ,Corn Marigold/Chrysanthemum segetum , another Daisy and a shot of a single flower of Wild Basil/Clinopodium vulgare , another Labiate .And finally , one for the detectives . I found this pair getting it together in the large meadow .
8 comments:
Impressive butterfly list again Greenie. Need to be out earlier for the birds though mate :-)
PS No Golden eagle as yet !
Plenty of good stuff from you over the last few days..... too much to comment on specifically.
For someone who religiously patrols various survey routes you display a commendible enthusiam for new places - well deserved.
Ahh, Marjoram! It's flowering along the lanes here and the butterflies (and I) love it. Always have to get off my bike and pinch a leaf or two.
Once again, a good mix of interesting photos mate.
Alway's good to see your butterly photo's Greenie. Nice shot of the Yellowhammer too.
That Dark Green Fritillary is a cracking looking butterfly Greenie.
Goodness! I nearly missed this one :(
You do seem to be doing very well in your neck of the woods regarding butterflies Greenie. The Dark Green Fritillary really is very striking.
I used to have Feverfew growing in the garden, it is supposed to be very good for migraines, not that I've ever tried it!
I think your mystery insect is Sphaerophoria scripta.
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